Making schools safe places to work will continue to be a priority for the SSTUWA in 2011 and this year there will be a focus on reducing the incidence of injuries and distress caused by the extreme challenging behaviours of some students in the education support sector.

During 2010 a number of serious injuries to staff caused by students with disabilities were reported to the SSTUWA. Sometimes these violent behaviours can be considered “accidental” as they are characteristic traits of the disability but some are intentional.

The concern is that some staff are experiencing kicking, hitting, biting and spitting on a daily basis and this is often accepted by the Department, line-managers, staff and parents as “normal” or “just part of the job”. As a result of this attitude incidents are not investigated, reported or treated as an occupational safety and health issue and often there are no disciplinary consequences for the student. This allows the behaviours and the injuries to continue.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires the employer to provide and maintain a working environment in which employees are not exposed to hazards so far as is practicable. This is a requirement no matter what industry you are employed in. There is no category of work that can be considered so inherently risky that it is beyond the capability of the employer to control and manage safety and health.

There is also an obligation on all employees to report all injuries or ill health whether they were caused intentionally or by accident.

All accidents and incidents that result in harm or could have resulted in harm, need to be investigated and action taken to prevent a recurrence. Incidents must also be recorded and reported. The employer must also notify the injured employee of any determination or action taken following an incident.

During the year I would like to visit as many Education Support Schools and units as possible to discuss issues of safety. Please contact me if you would like me to attend a meeting of staff. The SSTUWA is also seeking to develop appropriate clauses to improve conditions in the education support sector for the next General Agreement. If you have any suggestions, please contact me by e-mail: jbarrett @ organiser.org.au